Multiple law enforcement agencies were involved in the case, including the FBI, Hempstead County and Howard County sheriff’s offices, Hope Police Department, Arkansas State Police and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations.

“Like many small towns, Hope has been plagued by drug trafficking,” Eldridge said in the statement. “With this case, numerous drug traffickers in the area have been arrested and are being prosecuted. Cleaning up drug activity is vital to the success and growth of Hope, as it is for all communities. We appreciate the hard work of all agencies involved in the investigation of this case, and will continue to vigorously prosecute this type of activity throughout the Western District of Arkansas.”